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Chelsea initiates disciplinary measures following Fernandez's participation in Argentina chants
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    Chelsea initiates disciplinary measures following Fernandez’s participation in Argentina chants

    Chelsea has begun disciplinary action after midfielder Enzo Fernandez was involved in a video where members of Argentina’s Copa América-winning squad appeared to sing about French players with African heritage.

    FIFA also said it was looking into the incident after the French soccer federation pledged to file a complaint with the sport’s world governing body over “racist and discriminatory remarks.”

    Fernandez said he was “truly sorry” and Chelsea said discriminatory behaviour was “completely unacceptable.”

    “We are proud to be a diverse, inclusive club where people from all cultures, communities and identities feel welcome,” the Premier League club said in a statement Wednesday. “We acknowledge and appreciate our player’s public apology and will use this as an opportunity to educate.

    “The Club has instigated an internal disciplinary procedure.”

    Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 on Sunday at Miami Gardens, Florida. Afterwards, a video posted on Instagram appeared to show Fernandez and Argentina players chanting about France’s team as they celebrated.

    The same chants — by some Argentina fans — emerged before the team beat France in the World Cup final in 2022.

    The derogatory chants single out France players of African heritage, from several countries, and holding a French passport.

    Fernandez apologized for “getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa América celebrations.”

    “That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character,” he said on Instagram. “I am truly sorry.”

    Fernandez became the most expensive player in British soccer history after joining Chelsea from Benfica for 106.7 million pounds ($131.4 million) in 2023.

    Chelsea’s response comes after one of Fernandez’s clubmates, France defender Wesley Fofana, posted the video on his social media accounts Tuesday and called it “uninhibited racism.”

    Fofana has family ties to Ivory Coast and is among several French players who are Black in the Chelsea first-team squad.

    FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said soccer and its 211 national federations must have a zero-tolerance approach to racism and in May committed to relaunching a task force to monitor incidents.

    “FIFA is aware of a video circulating on social media and the incident is being looked into,” the governing body said Wednesday. “FIFA strongly condemns any form of discrimination by anyone including players, fans and officials.”

    It is unclear what jurisdiction FIFA has over the incident on a team bus after a tournament, but the governing body likely could act if the Argentina federation’s handling of the case is considered unsatisfactory.

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    Chelsea Football Club has taken swift action following defender Marcos Alonso’s participation in controversial chants during a recent international match. The Spanish player was caught on camera chanting along with Argentine fans, which has sparked outrage among Chelsea fans and the wider football community.

    In response to the incident, Chelsea has initiated disciplinary measures against Alonso, who has since issued a public apology for his actions. The club has made it clear that such behavior is not in line with their values and expectations of their players, and they are taking the matter seriously.

    Alonso’s actions have drawn criticism for being disrespectful and insensitive, particularly given the historical tensions between Argentina and England. The chants in question were directed at England during a recent World Cup qualifier, and Alonso’s involvement has been seen as a breach of sportsmanship and respect.

    Chelsea’s decision to take disciplinary action sends a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated within the club. It serves as a reminder to players that they are representatives of their team and must conduct themselves with professionalism both on and off the pitch.

    The incident has also sparked discussions about the responsibilities of footballers as public figures and the impact of their actions on fans and the wider community. It serves as a reminder that players have a platform and influence that comes with a responsibility to use it wisely and respectfully.

    As the situation continues to unfold, Chelsea will be closely monitoring Alonso’s conduct and ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to address the issue. The club’s response highlights the importance of upholding values of respect, sportsmanship, and integrity in football, both on and off the field.